#135 to watch opera in London - but just #35 to watch it in Wales

YOU'VE got to feel sorry for the London Welsh. Not only do they suffer from hiraeth, longing for their homeland, but they also have to put up with the biggest gulf in the cost of living in the UK - between London and Wales.

Not only do they suffer from hiraeth, longing for their homeland, but they also have to put up with the biggest gulf in the cost of living in the UK - between London and Wales.

The price difference is so large, that culture vultures living in London would be financially better off taking the train to Cardiff to catch La Traviata than watching it at Covent Garden.

The Royal Opera House and the Welsh National Opera are both staging Verdi's tragic tale of doomed love this month but there is a staggering difference between the two productions - one costs #100 more to watch than the other.

The Office of National Statistics yesterday reported London was the most expensive part of the UK to live in while Wales was the cheapest.

And a survey conducted by the Western Mail shows that from food and drink, to staying in or going out living in Wales is far kinder on your finances.

A short bus ride in Cardiff is almost half the price of a quick hop in England's capital - and it is probably twice as fast on less congested roads.

A pint of lager in a London pub costs 50p more than in Cardiff while working out at the city's upmarket David Lloyd Centre is half the price of a similar gym in London.

Sitting in the stalls of the Royal Opera House to watch Verdi's classic will set you back #135, or you could buy an off peak train ticket to Cardiff, catch the same opera at the Millennium Centre for #35 and still have enough cash left over for a good meal out for you and a friend.

Iestyn Davies, head of communications for the Arts Council of Wales, said the country was enjoying a cultural renaissance which would become an increasing draw to those living outside Wales.

"I don't think the renaissance is limited to Cardiff but I would say, with the Wales Millennium Centre, you are going to see an increased number of people coming to Wales to experience its wide cultural range from opera to arts and crafts - all backed up by a good quality of life and some tremendous scenery."

The Millennium Stadium is also proving a major draw for prestigious sporting events to rival those held at Wembley or Twickenham, leaving Welsh rugby supporters with one more thing to smile about.

Ron Holley, general manager of the London Welsh Rugby Club, said, "I think the Millennium Stadium is one of the great achievements of Welsh rugby. As a venue it has put Wales on the map, it is a marvellous stadium and it's right in the middle of the city.

"There might still be problems getting into Cardiff on match days but once there you are never more than 15 minutes from the stadium."

Opposition MPs insist the quality and cost of living outside London should be borne in mind by a Government which wants to build another million homes around England's capital as public sector workers are driven out by soaring prices.

The Government plans to shift 20,000 civil service posts out of London to the nations and the regions under the Lyons Review but some MPs fear the measure does not go far enough.

Plaid Cymru's economic development spokesman Adam Price has long urged the Government to shift some of the nation's economic wealth out of London.

He said, "Every time someone shops in a supermarket in Wales they are contributing to the economy of London, which is where all the headquarters are based.

"But putting all your economic eggs in one basket is not good for London either which is teetering on the brink of becoming a dysfunctional city.

"The wealth disparities have never been greater creating social tensions, crime and violence."

Mr Price said London's 2012 bid to host the Olympics would either rescue the city or push it over the edge.

Welsh Liberal Democrat leader Lembit Opik said while Welsh wages remained far lower than those of London the disposable income was usually greater.

He said, "It may be a shock to people from Wales who visit London but it is far more of shock for Londoners who come to Wales and realise they are paying thousands more to live in one of the most congested cities in Europe."

The ONS survey reveals the cost of living in London is 9.7% above the national average after comparing prices on 360 goods and services, food and drink and housing costs.

Costs in south-east England are 5.3% above the average while Wales is 6.9% below the average.

Housing costs, both rents and mortgages, showed the greatest variations but the cost of buying food and cigarettes was generally the same across the UK.

And you cannot put a price on...

THE Office for National Statistics may put a price on living in Wales and London, but it does not capture the quality of life on offer.

Londoners would promote the city's rich history, vibrant night-life, leading football clubs and staggering cultural range.

But promoters of the Welsh way of life would argue the nation offers all of the advantages of London with few of its drawbacks.

While its football clubs may not be as successful as London's, Welsh rugby is on the rise up the Six Nations table while England is bowed.

London may boast the greater number of top restaurants but Welsh farms produce some of the finest foods in Europe.

Prestigious developments like the Millennium Centre signify a renaissance in Welsh culture at a time when London is losing its lustre and no one could accuse Welsh cities like Cardiff of lacking night-life.

The history of Wales is as rich as London's and while England's capital offers the trimmed splendour of Royal Parks, Wales can offer the unrivalled beauty of Snowdonia National Park and miles of majestic coastline.

You are twice as likely to be the victim of personal crime living in London.

But you are far more likely to get speedy hospital treatment in London than if you languish on a Welsh waiting list.

Toll/Congestion chargeSevern Bridge: #4.80, stay as long as you like and it's free to leaveLondon's congestion charge: #5 daily

Bus travelMinimum single fare:London: #1.20Cardiff: 70p

And you cannot put a price on...THE Office for National Statistics may put a price on living in Wales and London, but it does not capture the quality of life on offer.

Londoners would promote the city's rich history, vibrant night-life, leading football clubs and staggering cultural range.

But promoters of the Welsh way of life would argue the nation offers all of the advantages of London with few of its drawbacks.

While its football clubs may not be as successful as London's, Welsh rugby is on the rise up the Six Nations table while England is bowed.

London may boast the greater number of top restaurants but Welsh farms produce some of the finest foods in Europe.

Prestigious developments like the Millennium Centre signify a renaissance in Welsh culture at a time when London is losing its lustre and no one could accuse Welsh cities like Cardiff of lacking night-life.

The history of Wales is as rich as London's and while England's capital offers the trimmed splendour of Royal Parks, Wales can offer the unrivalled beauty of Snowdonia National Park and miles of majestic coastline.

You are twice as likely to be the victim of personal crime living in London.

But you are far more likely to get speedy hospital treatment in London than if you languish on a Welsh waiting list.